Robbery: Man to Die by Hanging in Ekiti

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

For involving in robbery, an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, has sentenced a man, Waliu Abifarin, to death by hanging.

Justice Ayodeji Daramola, who handed down the verdict found Abifarin guilty on the strength of evidence presented before the court by the prosecution.

The chief judge said the prosecution has proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Daramola held that Abifarin was guilty of one-count charge of armed robbery contrary to Section 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R11 Vol. 14 laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

According to the charge sheet, Abifarin, on December 21, 2013 robbed one Shaibu Obanimoh of the sum of N250,000 at Aleja Camp, Idege/Igirigiri Road, Ado-Ekiti, while armed with cutlass and other offensive weapons.He was first arraigned alongside one Haruna Onimisi who escaped during the 2014 jailbreak from Ado-Ekiti prisons, which caused a setback to the case.

Abifarin arraigned on May 12, 2016 and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecution counsel, Mojisola Olajiga, called four witnesses and tendered one Bajaj motorcycle, a cutlass and other materials as exhibits.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. A.O. Adeloye, led his client in his evidence but did not call any witness.Daramola held: “Therefore, the sentence of the court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead. May the good lord have mercy on your soul.”

Meanwhile, Ekiti State Judiciary is to proceed on Christmas/Year break with effect from Thursday.
A statement on Wednesday signed by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, said the notice was given pursuant to Order 45 Rule (4) (C) of Ekiti State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2011.

It said trial of civil actions in the High Court of Ekiti State shall be suspended between December 21, 2017 till January 5, 2018.

Resumption of normal court activities shall commence from January 8, 2018.